I Vont a CameraDear Neighbors: There’s lots of mail in the dc.story mail bag this week. And it’s Carl’s turn to handle the lead.… Cheers, Jeffrey Itell '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' I Vont a Camera She was from Poland and had been in the area a few years. We shared an office at DC General Hospital. Office is a bit misleading. Until we occupied it, it was an observation room for suicidal pregnant women. Typical of the genre, the window was covered in metal mesh and under lock and key. On the plus side, having been a patient room, it had a bathroom. Typically DC, the bathroom window opened wide. The lighting was subdued, one bulb well enclosed. We had to get the electrical service restored so I could plug in the PC I was working on, and she could work on her health statistics. She was studying breast cancer screening. I was developing a medical record system for the neonatal intensive care unit. Trudging around the place, we saw who came for care. Who filled up the benches, and waited and waited. She painfully pulled together numbers that were readily available elsewhere. She found rotten record keeping, but a cooperative, overworked medical staff. I found an information systems department that raised indifference to an art form. It was no different, unfortunately, than any other DC bureaucracy. After one particularly frustrating day trying to pry some run of the mill numbers out of a department, she came in, sat down and stared at the wall for a few minutes. The silence broke with - "I vont a camera!" "Uh, why do you want a camera?" "I vont to take pictures of this place and send them back to Poland." "Ok, why do you want to take pictures and send them home to Poland?" "So, they will see that it’s worse here than it was in Poland under the Communists!" Indeed it was and still is no doubt. This leads me to my rather obscure point. Most of us who post here have middle class problems. Most posts are middle class problems: pot holes, garbage, trees, assessments, traffic, permits or taxes. Live here a year, and you’ll experience a bureaucracy Kafka would have found discouraging. Most of us can deal with this, because it doesn’t get to us where we live. If the city’s effect ended for everyone at the pothole, traffic or assessment level then its failures would not be so awful. They don’t . There are several services that the city operates, its juvenile jails, health clinics, foster care program, and hospital to name a few. These are responsible for the life and well being of those in its care. These get little attention, election year or not, usually because those who are most directly affected have no voice or are easily dismissed. I raise DC General for two reasons. It is and has been for as long as I can remember a third rate facility dropping even further behind. It is in great need of decent management. None of the organizational fixes to date has done squat for the level of care. The other is that DC General is long, long overdue for replacement. With the exception of its walk-in clinic, the hospital and its various buildings are forty to fifty plus years old. It tells you something about a city, that it can afford to build two convention centers, a new jail, and a sport arena, but not replace its only public hospital. Maybe, the council or the control board could use a camera. *** Setting the Record Straight
I don’t know the truth of the matter, but the way I once heard it was "my opponent matriculated at Harvard, and his sister is a thespian in New York City." [I’ve also heard that "my opponent masticated at Harvard." Winston Churchill must have made these remarks after referring (or not referring) to the Marshall Plan comments as the "most unsordid act in history." :) Jeffrey Itell] **** Potholes of the month I am sure everyone has their favorites, but I would like to nominate three potholes worthy of votes in the next DC election. (1) Most ambiguous feelings: The one in front of my house. It was big but shallow and acted more like a rumble strip than a real pothole. They patched it!!! I was elated until I mowed my lawn and discovered they tossed the excess rubble into my grass. The stuff doesn’t mulch worth a damn. (2) Most elegant: At the corner of Chesapeake and 41st St (behind Wilson HS and Fresh Fields). This started as a sinking manhole regularly mashed by the buses that can’t miss it turning at that corner. dc put out a new manhole cap and several concrete reinforced collars to raise the base. Then they dug up a neat five foot square around the sunken manhole. It stayed there forever until dc came along and patched the depression (leaving the new collars and cap on the nearby grass). Voila! A sculpted pothole. (3) The whopper: At the corner of Connecticut and Fessenden. This baby is going to cause some real damage and maybe bodily harm if it is continually ignored. It started as an excavation related to the (commendable) project relining the water pipes last March along Fessenden, Nebraska, Reno Rd. The other caverns seem to have been filled and patched, but this one is still covered by a steel plate which is steadily shifting with the regular pounding of traffic that cannot avoid it. Look Out! **** The Glenn Brenner 5K Ed Barron was wondering what happened to the Glenn Brenner 5K which, for several years, generated much-needed funds for worthwhile causes in our community. The race—in which I participated a few times, along with numerous former colleagues of Glenn’s and thousands of other eager runners—was an annual event for I think five years following the Sportscaster’s untimely death. The race did have it’s share of bad weather and an unusually late start-time—considering Washington’s heat & humidity—but it was a lot of fun and, BTW, a great promotional vehicle for Channel 9. My understanding (based mostly on what I’ve gleaned from friends at W*USA) is that the station made a commitment to support & promote the race for two years. .. . And, everybody’s got a theory as to why station Mgmt thinks continuing on with it might not be such a good idea. . . However, no one seems to know if any other organization had even expressed interest in carrying the baton. . . Maybe the Glenn Brenner Foundation knows. I have fond memories of Glenn who was hysterically funny both on and off-camera, and who went out of his way to help junior staff people (like me) at W*USA (then WDVM). I also had the good fortune to run with him on the Canal. He was a good sportsman and a good guy. *** Subject: Glenn Brenner Race I was talking someone from the Mont. County road runners club about the Glenn Brenner 5K last week. I was told that when Channel 9 decided to organize the race that they would only have the race for 5 years. Even though it was very successful Channel 9 stopped after 5 years. *** Save Us From Our Saviors It is easy to look to Barry as the great devil in D.C. Government. But Barry is only the most visible player in this great charade. For example, in a coarse power play District chief financial officer Anthony A. Williams has apparently cost us $31,000,000. In his apology he states (as reported in the Post) that "my zeal for management and improvement has gotten all wrapped up with more power for my office." We all make mistakes, but I’m not sure that many of us have made $31M mistakes. **** 900,000 license numbers In response to the question as to what happened to the 900,000 license numbers, I can faithfully report that one of the following is the correct scenario: a) Our dear mayor gave them to President Clinton as payment for the two federal snow plows Mr. President loaned the District a couple of winters ago. Clinton then gave them away as souvenirs to the many who spent a night in the various White House bedrooms. b) They were last seen in the Brinks truck following a famously wealthy person’s hearse. c) Those who purchased the plate-making machine wanted to save money, so they got one that stopped printing at 899,999. **** One Theory Pre-1984 or thereabouts the D.C. govt. issued tags in a different "font" than they use now. Then, around 900,000 or so, they changed font, went to the end--999,999--before going through all the six-digit permutations again. (I remember getting a 900,000 tag in the new style and wondered why the new tag was in the new font. Then when they started again with 000,000 it made sense.) So I guess now they don’t want to repeat that process and instead want to have a different set of permutations entirely. At least that’s what I think is going on here. *** Designated Taxes I’m stepping out from my usual lurker status to pose the following conversation starter: Since the Federal and State IRS agencies ask everyone to send them letters every April 15th (they must be lonely I guess), wouldn’t it be possible to include on the forms a checklist where individuals could designate what departments/services they would like their money to be spent on? I for one would MUCH rather see my tax dollars spent on the WIC program as opposed to the S&L bailout, or farm subsidies for tobacco growers, etc. If the purses strings were controlled by the people collectively, special interest groups and lobbiests would have to spend their money educating and/or convincing the public of the worth of their proposals rather than trying to influence a few key politicians. Partisan budget battles could be reduced if not eliminated. A sense of ownership with government policies might make civic tax responsibility more palatable with less inclination to avoid taxes. It would even weaken the old "taxation w/o representation" argument that people like to use for justifying DC statehood. At the very least, such appropriation information that people could easily provide on tax forms could be used as a very useful yardstick for the public to measure how elected representatives voted compared with the wishes of his or her constituency. *** GSA and SecurityPaul Conlon pconlon@ccmail.kenan.com Sandy Barsky wrote about the protection of federal buildings. I’m now going to add to Sandy’s concerns by voicing some of my own. I was born in Ireland many years ago and spent a portion of my recent life living in Northern Ireland and thus have considerable experience in living in a society that lives in REAL fear of terrorist attack. When I moved to DC I expected a greater level of security than what I found, it made me uncomfortable in that there are many people in the world who would like nothing better than to make a nice big political statement and where else is better than downtown DC. Thankfully much of the US and indeed DC is spared the horror of dealing with terror, I like the extra openness and love to do things such as jogging on the capitol grounds. I would hate to see that end, BUT the federal agencies MUST be allowed to protect the greatest targets. It is all of our collective responsibilities to appreciate the concerns they have. Anyone who sits back in this city and criticizes the GSA or any other federal agency of being heavy handed and uncaring off DC residents is not only fundamentally wrong but also shows a self-centered perspective. Take my word for it, there is nothing to stop Oklahoma city being repeated in DC.… nothing. And if you can’t find parking downtown....take Metro. **** Development Happens
Huh? Montgomery County policy is to concentrate development in existing urban areas, so that country parts of the county stay that way. I’m no urban planner, but given that Friendship Heights is not the sticks and is well-served by mass transit, it makes sense to me to channel development there. Would you rather that the northern half of the county was turned into another Rockville Pike for your convenience? Also, it’s not like new construction isn’t happening, or can’t happen, on the other side of Western Avenue—I mean, if you think adding businesses and residents to the District is a good idea. (Incidentally, how has Ballston been "trashed" ?From what I’ve read, before the Metro arrived there, back when the neighborhood was called Parkington, it was a fairly shabby, run-down place pockmarked with used-car lots. Now it’s stacked with offices, condos, shops and restaurants, and many people pay lots of money to live in those shiny new buildings.) *** Malling Firiendship Heights? Friendship heights is undergoing it’s planned sector plan update, which has been well reported for the high levels of animosity and viciousness in the hearings. As for an uprating of density, this is long term council policy and sensible given the presence of a metro station. Relax, I live in Bethesda and we are still alive. **** Student Ghettoes I know Georgetown thinks they have a monopoly on problems with students. They are not alone. This is a real problem where my parents live in upper northwest. My mom has had to call the police a number of times because the folks next door are stoned and talking at the tops of their voices. Start moving to Dupont Circle? Are you nuts? They are already here, in my building. And they all want to have dogs. The dogs have killed one of the yew bushes out front, because their owners don’t get home in time to take them for a walk. We have had to hire a pool gate guard because last summer every one at GWU showed up to swim. Please understand that it wasn’t long ago that I was a student myself. I know that you cannot legislate morality. But we are having a hard time getting these folks to follow the house rules. It seems to me when I was _their_ age I was a lot more considerate and basically civil. **** Student Ghetto The first thing to know about the housing market in Georgetown is that, as a landlord, the university sucks. The on-campus apartments, convenience to classes aside, are a rip off, both in absolute cost and in what you get for that money—unless things have changed radically, a room of your own is damn near impossible. You can get that in almost any group house, along with such bourgeois comforts as a dishwasher and a washer/dryer that won’t stick you up for quarters. I *wish* I’d moved off campus my junior year instead of putting up with a Henle Village hovel (and some of the roommates in it, but that’s another matter entirely...) **** Oh Hech! I can identify with Stephanie Faul’s list of grievances about Hechingers and would add one more: they always seem to be out of the one item you really need. They need to work on their inventory control system and as everyone else seems to say, do some serious employee training. On another note, that huge pothole on Connecticut Avenue across from the Woodley Park metro stop is still there. It seems that is’s been fixed several times and then keeps reappearing. Hope they can fix it right next time. *** What the Hech! Let me jump in in Hechinger’s defense. I shopped there just a week ago and found the clerks (in the paint department at least) helpful and knowledgeable. Unlike at the old store across the street, most, if not all, the cash registers were manned and the lines were relatively short. I can’t compare Hechinger to a Home Depot since I’ve never shopped there, but the Tenley Hechinger suits me fine. It’s a definite improvement over their old store. *** Regarding Hechingers I have been reading the Hechingers posts with some dismay. I have many lovely memories of going to Hechingers in Northeast when I little, and I can still remember the wonderful smell of new hardware and lumber. So it’s very sad to hear that their staff has really gone down hill. But I must ask, has anyone written the company itself with their complaint? Not just talk to the manager, but write corporate headquarters? Hechingers is not a national chain and they can be wiped out by Home Depot. They need to know that they’re losing customers and why. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.queries Some friends and I are thinking about the possibility of setting up an Internet cafe somewhere in the DC area. Do readers of this list have any ideas about where would be good, or about whether or not it would work? We’re thinking loosely about somewhere between the Cardozo/U St. area and Dupont Circle. Is anyone else interested? Current model for this cafe would be the one in NY — website <http://www.bigmagic.com>http://www.bigmagic.com This one was written up in the Wall Street Journal in May. Faith Williams fmwill@aol.com '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.market Less $ than One-Bedroom, More Space: Looking for M or F house mate to share 3-story, 4 bedroom townhouse in Mount Pleasant. $600 plus ½ utils. "buys" not one but 2 ample bedrooms, private bath, private phone line, beautiful LR/DR (hardwood flrs, exposed brick), large kitchen, garden, rooftop for sunning, great street, great neighbors, great house mate (30 yr old single woman, writer/editor, active progressive/semi-observant Jew). Long walk, short bus ride to Cleveland Park Metro, on multiple bus lines to Metro, downtown. Call Minna at 202/986-1484. Minna Morse mmorse@simag.si.edu *** Roof Rack Component for Sale I have a Yakima Q-Tower Stretch Kit for sale for $45 (it retails for about $90 at REI). It’s like new — we’ve only used it a handful of times before getting a new car which doesn’t require this component. This is a great bargain if you have a small car and are thinking of buying a roof rack to carry bikes, canoes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, etc. Or you may already have a Yakima rack and want to move it to a small car. Call 202-537-6655. Carrie Staff staffc@mail.aauw.org **** Computers Buying one shouldn’t be so scary. Setting one up shouldn’t be so scary. Getting on the Internet shouldn’t be so scary. Jeffrey Itell Story@intr.net 202.244.4163 ////\\\\\////\\\\////\\\\\/////\\\\ Also free! dc.movie: Free movie passes, short movie reviews, and movie discussion. Send an email message to story@intr.net to subscribe. dc.story is a discussion group. The opinions stated are the sole responsibility of the authors. dc.story does not verify the information provided by readers. ---------------- For fast, reliable Internet services and cutting edge Websites contact Michael Mann at Internet Interstate mmann@intr.net. Web: <http://www.intr.net>http://www.intr.net ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ dc.story—Your Electronic Backfence <http://www.dcstory.com>http://www.dcstory.com Kibitzing by Jeffrey Itell (story@intr.net) Copyright © 1997 by Itell Communications, Inc. All rights reserved |
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